Growing up in Taranaki there was no such thing as tennis coaching so it was a real eye opener for me while doing my last year of high school in Canberra when mum took me to see a famous tennis coach by the name of Charlie Hollis. Charlie had an amazing role call of players he had taught  including 2 time grand slam winner Rod Laver (some say the greatest of all time). Already 70 when we met he was tough, even a little scary (stood 6ft4) but for some reason I responded to his style (not that it's the same as mine) and tennis became my main focus. I spent 4 years on a full tennis scholarship in Texas which culminated in a huge honor for me being named in the All-American team in my senior year. My playing highlights include being as highly ranked as number 2 in the U.S with my Swedish doubles partner, 3 Taranaki Open titles along with provincial titles in Otago, Canterbury, Tasman, Wellington and Manawatu. Most  recently national singles and doubles titles in the over 40's.

COACHING- Originally coaching was a way to supplement my playing but I certainly learned a lot during 2 seasons in Germany and one in Japan at a large academy. After playing in the "National League" for Canterbury I started coaching and playing full time in Hagley Park. Being at Hagley for so long has given me the chance to deal with a huge variety of player from 3 to 83 years old, beginners and high performance players as well as learning to teach with big numbers of students on court. My philosophy is simple, "learning and fun"  and both can be achieved. I will never be a coach who is happy simply to entertain a group and send them on their way when there is so much to be taught in tennis which is  a very technical sport. I am happy to be on court with anyone who is motivated  regardless if  talented or a complete beginner. I believe my ability as a coach is in seeing what a student needs and knowing how to fix it. The coach is there to put you on track but the hard work and hours needed to be an elite player depend on the individual.

It was a tough decision to leave Christchurch but the opportunity to make a difference to tennis in my home town is one I really looked forward to. Thank you to Pukekura Park Tennis Club for giving me this opportunity and I look forward to seeing you on court.
(You can check out my old 'past' but best friend on YouTube "Caddy Tennis: Ball dog Academy" below).  

​See you on court,
Mark Belcher "Belch"
​Ph. 0274986363, mgbtennis@xtra.co.nz

​Pukekura Park Tennis Club Head Coach since September 2017

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